NanosTech
NanosTech is a Calgary-based private nanotechnology company that develops proprietary nanocatalysts and processes for heavy oil upgrading, modular refining, and CO2-to-syngas conversion, serving oil producers, refiners, and energy-transition companies primarily through technology licensing, process licensing, and catalyst sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersCalgary, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What NanosTech does
NanosTech Technology & Innovations Ltd. is a Calgary-based private nanotechnology company developing proprietary nanocatalyst platforms for the energy transition. The company's technology is built on over a decade of catalysis research originating at the University of Calgary and is organized around three core pillars: ISUT (In-Situ Upgrading Technology), which injects nanocatalysts directly into oil reservoirs to upgrade heavy oil and bitumen in place; AQP (Aquaprocessing), a modular water-tolerant refining platform for converting heavy fossil and renewable oils into higher-value products without external hydrogen; and a Carbon Management suite anchored by the Olympia cubic molybdenum carbide catalyst for CO2-to-syngas conversion via Reverse Water Gas Shift. Supporting technologies include Nova (universal feedstock platform), ODESSA (desulfurization), LESR/DRM/RWGS hydrogen and syngas processes, and CatSkid (on-site catalyst preparation module), with CatHub planned as a catalyst manufacturing facility in Alberta.
The company generates revenue through technology licensing, process licensing, and direct catalyst sales to oil producers, midstream operators, refiners, and energy-transition companies. Pricing is quote-based under multi-year enterprise contracts, with sales cycles driven by direct field engagement and pilot demonstrations in the Alberta oilsands region and, more recently, in European biofuels markets via the BTG Bioliquids partnership. As of the input data, commercial deployments are at pilot stage with one named "Prominent Oilsands Producer" customer and no publicly disclosed revenue; funding to date is dominated by non-dilutive government grants (CAD 5.5M from ERA and Alberta Innovates in December 2023) and the 2021 acquisition by Vorsana Environmental, which functions as NanosTech's parent and commercialization arm.
NanosTech firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NanosTech
- Legal name
- NanosTech Technology & Innovations Ltd.
- Website
- https://nanos.tech
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NanosTech is a Calgary-based private nanotechnology company that develops proprietary nanocatalysts and processes for heavy oil upgrading, modular refining, and CO2-to-syngas conversion, serving oil producers, refiners, and energy-transition companies primarily through technology licensing, process licensing, and catalyst sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NanosTech industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Catalysts for Energy Transition
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Chemical Manufacturing (325), Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing (3259)
- SIC
- Chemicals & Allied Products (2800), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Catalysts & Adsorbents (IMAEABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Thermochemical CO₂ Conversion Systems (RWGS, Fischer‑Tropsch integration, catalytic hydrogenation) (EUABAIAL), Bio-based Platform & Commodity Chemicals (e.g., bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-BTX, bio-methanol) (EUAAAIAA), Biofuel Co-products & Byproduct Processing (DDGS, Glycerin, CO2, Lignin) (EUAAAHAJ), Reforming, Isomerization & Alkylation (Octane & Gasoline Upgrading) (EUALAGAF)
Keywords
Where NanosTech is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Calgary
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
NanosTech business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary nanocatalyst technologies to oil producers and energy companies. Revenue generated through licensing fees with potential for royalties based on usage volume.
- Catalyst Sales: Direct sale of proprietary catalysts including Olympia™ catalyst and cubic molybdenum carbide catalyst to customers in the energy sector.
- Process Licensing: Licensing of proprietary processes including ISUT and AQP to enable oil producers to implement NanosTech's upgrading technologies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
NanosTech product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NanosTech develops and commercializes proprietary nanocatalyst technologies for the energy transition. The company's portfolio centers on three solution pillars: ISUT (In-Situ Upgrading Technology) for in-reservoir heavy oil upgrading, AQP (Aquaprocessing) for modular refining of fossil and renewable oils, and Carbon Management featuring the Olympia catalyst for CO2-to-syngas conversion. NanosTech monetizes these offerings through direct catalyst sales, technology licensing, and process licensing to oil producers, refiners, and energy transition companies.
Product overview
NanosTech offers a catalytic technology platform centered on proprietary nanocatalysts that deliver noble-metal performance at base-metal cost. The portfolio consists of three main technology pillars—ISUT (In-Situ Upgrading Technology) for in-reservoir oil upgrading and enhanced recovery, AQP/AQP Plus (Aquaprocessing) for modular refining of fossil and renewable oils in water-rich environments, and Carbon Management featuring the Olympia catalyst for CO2-to-syngas conversion. Supporting these core products are enabling technologies including Nova (broad catalyst platform), ODESSA (desulfurization), LESR/DRM/RWGS (hydrogen and syngas production processes), and CatSkid (on-site catalyst preparation module). The platform enables applications across clean fossil fuels, renewable biofuels, hydrogen production, and carbon utilization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ISUT: In-Situ Upgrading Technology - A turn-key, on-site oil extraction and upgrading process that improves operating margins and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by introducing catalytic upgrading directly within the reservoir.
- AQP
- AQP Plus
- Olympia
- NOVA
- ODESSA
- CatSkid
- LESR
- LESDR
Products and services
- ISUT (In-Situ Upgrading Technology) A turn-key, on-site oil extraction and upgrading process that injects proprietary nanocatalysts directly into reservoirs to improve oil quality, reduce viscosity, and decrease GHG emissions by up to 35% while enhancing recovery rates up to 90%. Targeted at oil producers and operators with heavy oil and oilsands assets.
- AQP (Aquaprocessing) A modular refining suite designed to operate in water-rich environments, converting fossil and renewable oils into high-value, low-carbon fuels without external hydrogen. Processes feedstocks with up to 50% water content and reduces viscosity by up to 99%. Targeted at refiners and biofuel producers.
- Olympia Catalyst A cubic molybdenum carbide catalyst that delivers noble-metal performance without noble-metal costs, enabling high-selectivity CO2-to-syngas conversion via Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) reaction for sustainable fuels and circular carbon solutions. Targeted at energy transition and decarbonization-focused companies.
- Carbon Management Suite A suite of catalytic solutions including the Olympia catalyst for CO2 utilization, enabling conversion of captured CO2 into syngas for sustainable fuels, chemicals, and circular carbon solutions. Targeted at energy transition companies and decarbonization-focused operators.
- AQP Plus (AQP+) An advanced variant of AQP designed to process the most challenging feedstocks including HTL bio-oils into cleaner, higher-value products, featuring self-hydrogenating reactions enabled by water in the oil. Targeted at advanced biofuel and challenging feedstock processors.
- Nova A broadly applicable catalyst platform technology that can convert any oil of any origin—bitumen, heavy crudes, tire pyrolysis oil, or biomass—into high-value commercial products with minimal capital investment. Targeted at diversified feedstock processors and refiners.
- ODESSA (Oxidative DESulfurization-Steam Assisted) A desulfurization technology combining nanocatalyst platform with oxidative desulfurization to reduce fuel sulphur levels to near 0%, targeting heavy crude and diesel markets with a low heat, low pressure process. Targeted at refiners seeking fuel specification compliance.
- LESR (Low Emissions Steam Reforming) A catalytic process to generate hydrogen with simpler configuration and higher productivity at lower temperatures than conventional steam reforming, enabling economic and environmentally efficient hydrogen production. Targeted at hydrogen producers and energy transition companies.
- DRM (Dry CO2 Reforming of Methane) A catalytic process with a stable catalyst at low temperature (under 600°C) using natural gas, which when combined with LESR eliminates all CO2 reaction emissions in hydrogen and syngas production. Targeted at natural gas processors and hydrogen producers.
- RWGS (Reverse Water Gas Shift) A robust catalytic process that converts CO2 emissions into syngas whenever hydrogen is available, with the catalyst research published in Science journal (vol 384, May 2024). Targeted at CO2 utilization and circular carbon solution providers.
- CatSkid A compact catalyst preparation module that prepares nanocatalyst particles that can be effectively suspended in solution and injected directly into wells, enabling on-site catalyst preparation for efficient and sustainable energy production. Targeted at ISUT deployment sites and field operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 35% emissions reduction
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use NanosTech
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
NanosTech technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
NanosTech partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- BTG Bioliquids BV (BTL)coreStrategic partnership to deliver end-to-end advanced biofuels solution combining NanosTech's nanocatalyst technologies with BTG Bioliquids' biofuels processing capabilities for integrated renewable fuel production.
- NULIFE GreenTechminorPartnership for renewable fuels applications combining NanosTech's catalyst technologies with NULIFE's green energy solutions.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
NanosTech competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Clariant: Swiss specialty chemicals company whose Catalysts business unit provides refining and petrochemical catalysts. Comparable to NanosTech's specialty catalyst and upgrading process portfolio, particularly for heavy feedstocks.
- Honeywell UOP: Established licensor of refining catalysts and process technologies serving oil & gas customers globally. Competes with NanosTech in heavy oil upgrading and refining catalyst markets, with deep customer integration and decades of commercial deployment.
- Johnson Matthey: UK-based specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies company with strong catalyst offerings for refining, hydrogen, and emissions control. Comparable to NanosTech's catalyst portfolio across traditional refining and energy transition applications.
- BASF: Global chemical major with a significant catalysts division serving refining and petrochemicals. Broad incumbent offering overlapping solutions to NanosTech's catalyst-based upgrading and process technologies.
Emerging players
- Twelve (formerly Opus 12): California-based climate tech startup converting CO2 into chemicals and fuels using catalytic processes. Directly comparable to NanosTech's Olympia catalyst and Carbon Management Suite in the CO2 utilization space.
- C-Zero: US-based startup developing catalytic technology to convert natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon, addressing CO2-free hydrogen. Comparable to NanosTech's hydrogen and syngas catalyst initiatives (LESR, RWGS).
Regional players
- CRI Catalyst Company (CVR Energy subsidiary): Houston-based refinery catalyst manufacturer focused on hydroprocessing for refineries, with North American regional concentration. Comparable to NanosTech's refining catalyst and upgrading process offerings for heavy feedstocks.
- BTG Bioliquids: Dutch company commercializing fast pyrolysis technology for biomass-to-biofuel conversion. NanosTech's announced strategic partner for end-to-end advanced biofuels solutions; comparable through their combined biorefinery offering.
Direct peers
- Forge Nano: US-based nanotechnology company commercializing atomic layer deposition coatings for catalysts and battery materials. Highly comparable to NanosTech's nanocatalyst thesis and energy transition focus, though focused on coatings rather than catalyst formulations.
- Topsoe: Danish global leader in catalysts and process technology for refining, hydrogen, and CO2 conversion (including RWGS and methanol). Directly comparable to NanosTech across heavy oil upgrading, hydrogen, and carbon management verticals, though at much larger commercial scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NanosTech social profiles
Digital presenceNanosTech financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NanosTech leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
NanosTech funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NanosTech M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NanosTech
What does NanosTech do?
NanosTech develops and commercializes proprietary nanocatalyst technologies for the energy transition. The company's portfolio centers on three solution pillars: ISUT (In-Situ Upgrading Technology) for in-reservoir heavy oil upgrading, AQP (Aquaprocessing) for modular refining of fossil and renewable oils, and Carbon Management featuring the Olympia catalyst for CO2-to-syngas conversion. NanosTech monetizes these offerings through direct catalyst sales, technology licensing, and process licensing to oil producers, refiners, and energy transition companies.
Is NanosTech a public or private company?
NanosTech is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was NanosTech founded?
NanosTech was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NanosTech based?
NanosTech is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, in the North America region.
How does NanosTech make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are catalyst Sales and process Licensing.
Who are NanosTech's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Clariant, Honeywell UOP, Johnson Matthey and BASF. Emerging players are Twelve (formerly Opus 12) and C-Zero. Regional players are CRI Catalyst Company (CVR Energy subsidiary) and BTG Bioliquids. Direct peers are Forge Nano and Topsoe.
Does NanosTech have an API?
No public API is recorded for NanosTech.
What industry is NanosTech in?
NanosTech's product category is Industrial Catalysts for Energy Transition. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEABAB, Catalysts & Adsorbents, with a secondary code of EUABAIAL, Thermochemical CO₂ Conversion Systems (RWGS, Fischer‑Tropsch integration, catalytic hydrogenation). Its NAICS code is 541713 and its SIC code is 2800.